Posted on Jan 29, 2019
Should we delete the "trailblazer" award on RallyPoint? Is it encouraging non-substantive comments on a significant fraction of discussions?
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Are RallyPoint members just stealing the "trailblazer" influence points by responding as quickly as possible to a new post, but not really thinking about the post, or commenting anything substantive? I have seen on about 50% or more of all posts that the first post is just a non-substantive, "Great post" comment. Should we ask that the "trailblazer" reward be removed? I like the concept, because it SHOULD generate discussion and response, but it seems to be having the opposite effect: It encourages comments that are worthless, and which demonstrate that the commenter has no real interest in discussing the original post. What do you think? Other than removing the influence point incentive, is there anything else we can do? Thanks!
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RallyPoint
RallyPoint
Posted 7 y ago
Responses: 31
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This has been the topic of the day several times amongst the admins. I'm in favor it. I'm also in favor of users with a high amount of points from either not gaining points period after a certain level or being limited to X number of posts each day. We definitely have some users that feel that the point of this site is to gain points rather than share good information.
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CAPT Michael Toleno
Thanks for the quick (and useful!) response. Glad to hear my perceptions have some grounding in history.
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SPC Douglas Bolton
SGT Ben Keen I totally agree on the need to stop Trailblazer points. I also agree woo% that there should be a limit of how many posts one person can post. They are some that post over 15 times in a day just to get up votes. The limit will help I feel overwhelmed with all the -post I don't have time to read.
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I have never understood the points system. the whole pointof RP IMHO is to encourage discussions among veterans. OK I get points...woo hoo..that and a dollar will get me a cup of coffee. Just do away with the points and let folks talk instead of rewarding points chasers. It isn't a game or a competition it is a forum for back and forth conversations.
Maj Marty Hogan
Lt Col Charlie Brown
1stSgt Glenn Brackin
Cpl Craig Morton
SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth
COL Mikel J. Burroughs
SFC Joe S. Davis Jr., MSM, DSL
SSG James J. Palmer IV aka "JP4"
LTC Stephen C.
CPL Dave Hoover
SMSgt Minister Gerald A. "Doc" Thomas
Lt Col John (Jack) Christensen
Sgt Wayne Wood
PVT James Strait
SGM Erik Marquez
MSgt David Hoffman
MSgt Stephen Council
MAJ James Woods
SGT Elizabeth Scheck
PO1 H Gene Lawrence
Maj Marty Hogan
Lt Col Charlie Brown
1stSgt Glenn Brackin
Cpl Craig Morton
SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth
COL Mikel J. Burroughs
SFC Joe S. Davis Jr., MSM, DSL
SSG James J. Palmer IV aka "JP4"
LTC Stephen C.
CPL Dave Hoover
SMSgt Minister Gerald A. "Doc" Thomas
Lt Col John (Jack) Christensen
Sgt Wayne Wood
PVT James Strait
SGM Erik Marquez
MSgt David Hoffman
MSgt Stephen Council
MAJ James Woods
SGT Elizabeth Scheck
PO1 H Gene Lawrence
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SCPO (Join to see)
You basically speak against the RP points system, yet you tag many of the biggest points-fanatics on RP. They would certainly take umbrage with your above stated position.
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Lt Col Scott Shuttleworth
SCPO (Join to see) - I tag to get my points out...not for points. If you see I have been on RP for several years and am no where near the points of thos who have joined about the same time or after me. I just try to get my points out to folks to increase discussion. However, I can see your point because points are assigned to tags etc...just trying to get discussions started versus just letting a post sit. I wish we could tag without points but I guess we can't.
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SCPO (Join to see)
Lt Col Scott Shuttleworth - Scott, I know you've been on here a long time. So does everyone else. Look at how many viewers you have on a post you create. There's where you see that people ARE reading what you post. And the majority do not up you or down you or even comment. Like me, for instance. Tagging people, and the SAME people which most taggers do, typically ONLY generates reactions from them, post after post. Look at how many times some out-of-nowhere person tags your posts. The proof is right there. These high rollers on here don't care one iota about whether you READ or WATCH their post. Tagging is only saying "You scratch my back, and I'll scratch yours." Round and round and round. It's always been about points with them.
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I plead guilty. Sometimes the only thing to say is Great Post. Other times expressing appreciation for posting something that the responder has not seen before is appropriate. Everything does not necessarily need an in depth discussion on this site. Possibly a phone conversation would take care of that.
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CAPT Michael Toleno
LTC Stephan Porter This is totally anecdotal and subjective, but from the posts I've seen in my relatively short time on RP, I'd say over half of the short "great post"–type responses are not adding much to a discussion.
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SCPO Morris Ramsey
I disagree with this statement. I have a lot of “close” friends here on RP. I appreciate “great post” from them as I hope they do from me. CAPT Michael Toleno
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CAPT Michael Toleno though I like and prefer to respond with a paragraph, I often respond with few words for a few reasons.
1) because of 12 hour shifts, sometimes I have 10 to 15 minutes of break time and 20 to 30 plus post to read through. I use only a phone which allows me to go back only 12 hours, even with 2 or 3 words responses, I can't get them all and I feel bad. A solution for me, just don't respond.
2) sometimes 2 or 3 words hits spot on, so, I guess we can do over kill.
3) does saying "great post" in 25 words to avoid being labeled a points sniper, when 2 words says it all.
I agree with SSG William Jones that there needs to be more to our responses than a bleep, but I am examining whether I need to refrain from responses so that my motives are not misunderstood. I will have to do some soul searching.
Is it a Mountain, a Mole Hill, or is it Nothing, I don't know. But a lot will wish I responded to this with only 2 or 3 words, lol. Over and Out.
COL Mikel J. Burroughs SFC Joe S. Davis Jr., MSM, DSL Maj Marty Hogan Lt Col Charlie Brown LTC Stephen F. SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth SGT John " Mac " McConnell SGT (Join to see) TSgt Joe C. TSgt David L. Sgt Deborah Cornatzer Maj Robert Thornton Sgt Randy Wilber MSgt Robert "Rock" Aldi PO1 William "Chip" Nagel PO1 H Gene Lawrence SP5 Mark Kuzinski CW5 Jack Cardwell
1) because of 12 hour shifts, sometimes I have 10 to 15 minutes of break time and 20 to 30 plus post to read through. I use only a phone which allows me to go back only 12 hours, even with 2 or 3 words responses, I can't get them all and I feel bad. A solution for me, just don't respond.
2) sometimes 2 or 3 words hits spot on, so, I guess we can do over kill.
3) does saying "great post" in 25 words to avoid being labeled a points sniper, when 2 words says it all.
I agree with SSG William Jones that there needs to be more to our responses than a bleep, but I am examining whether I need to refrain from responses so that my motives are not misunderstood. I will have to do some soul searching.
Is it a Mountain, a Mole Hill, or is it Nothing, I don't know. But a lot will wish I responded to this with only 2 or 3 words, lol. Over and Out.
COL Mikel J. Burroughs SFC Joe S. Davis Jr., MSM, DSL Maj Marty Hogan Lt Col Charlie Brown LTC Stephen F. SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth SGT John " Mac " McConnell SGT (Join to see) TSgt Joe C. TSgt David L. Sgt Deborah Cornatzer Maj Robert Thornton Sgt Randy Wilber MSgt Robert "Rock" Aldi PO1 William "Chip" Nagel PO1 H Gene Lawrence SP5 Mark Kuzinski CW5 Jack Cardwell
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Maj Marty Hogan
Yes concur with Dave. Have responded before. I will refrain again. 100 point to answer Thx or Good post and the poster person gets 30. Eh.
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SCPO Morris Ramsey
I consider you to be on the circle of “my close” posters. I enjoy your responses. CPL Dave Hoover
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When I'm the first one, I usually try to make a comment or include a meme or a picture so I won't look like the Trail Blazers points Junkie.
CAPT Michael Toleno SMSgt Thor Merich PO1 H Gene Lawrence SGT Ben Keen Cpl Mark A. Morris CMSgt Virgil Horsley MSgt (Anonymous)
CAPT Michael Toleno SMSgt Thor Merich PO1 H Gene Lawrence SGT Ben Keen Cpl Mark A. Morris CMSgt Virgil Horsley MSgt (Anonymous)
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Lt Col Charlie Brown
I agree LTC Stephen Conway . What I get frustrated with are the people who write LOL or nice share and don't even bother to upvote the post. That certainly looks like point collecting especially when they get a "run" of five or six like that.
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Many of the so called "top influencers" are nothing more than spammers, IMO. There are posters who post in literally every single thread I see, and it is a meaningless, generic one line post that is put in any thread of any topic whatsoever.
The whole point system should be scrapped. The concept of "influence points" is lame to start with. If I go to someones profile to flag them for a racist post, I think they get influence points because I viewed their profile. Go figure. So do all the dozens of people who get points for me going to their profile because my fat thumbs press too hard when I am trying to scroll the page up on my Ipad, and it activates their link. And why does filling out my profile add to my influence? And scrolling through a post in a thread where it is nothing but a long list of names of other users being tagged so that more points can be accumulated is just dealing with more spam. It's all a sham that does nothing to actually indicate the level of influence or contributions someone makes, but rather encourages no content posting. Dump the whole thing, IMO.
The whole point system should be scrapped. The concept of "influence points" is lame to start with. If I go to someones profile to flag them for a racist post, I think they get influence points because I viewed their profile. Go figure. So do all the dozens of people who get points for me going to their profile because my fat thumbs press too hard when I am trying to scroll the page up on my Ipad, and it activates their link. And why does filling out my profile add to my influence? And scrolling through a post in a thread where it is nothing but a long list of names of other users being tagged so that more points can be accumulated is just dealing with more spam. It's all a sham that does nothing to actually indicate the level of influence or contributions someone makes, but rather encourages no content posting. Dump the whole thing, IMO.
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PO1 H Gene Lawrence
I stand guilty of the fat fingers on my IPad as well. LOL
OOPS, can I do the LOL thing now?
OOPS, can I do the LOL thing now?
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SCPO (Join to see)
Spammers and RallyPoint I-LOVE-ME points' fanatics. I upped your Thumbs Up count because you said it best. Thank you, thank you.
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SCPO (Join to see)
I've read your post a half dozen times. You and I are singing note for note off the same sheet of music. Not only should the points system be shitcanned, but along with every vestige or memory of it. It's become the gauge for membership in this inner circle of I Love Me people. Plus, this site is suppose to be predominately about military issues, topics, agendas. Many of the aforementioned people post anything and everything but military-related discussion. The main problem: where is RallyPoint leadership in all this? AWOL, that's where.
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Simply put, you are saying that if you have nothing to say, just be quiet? ! On that I agree, “motor mouths” keep the ‘net’ from functioning! Our S-4 was known for being verbose, not for ever having content w/in his transmissions! CAPT Michael Toleno
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If you're in this for the influence points and rewards, then move on. I don't give a rat's behind how many influence points I get or how many awards I get. That's not the point of this. It's to help out others with knowledge that we've gained during our time in service. So, if the fact that someone gets influence points or "trailblazer" rewards is something you're concerned about, go play Fortnite or Overwatch.
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Honorable individuals should not be writing great share if they have not read the post. IMO Sir.
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CAPT Michael Toleno
It seems that the original intent has been co-opted by the vacuous remarks of which you refer. I have posted numerous times presenting the identical thoughts that you raise. I would have no problem with it... HOWEVER - this gives rise to a similar situation which can elicit those same empty replies. Namely, the posting of various types of photos ranging from flowers, ink pens, all the way up to redundant/recycled postings of actually great monuments, statues and the like. Now after you've seen photograph "XYZ" for the 20th time, what more can be said? I do appreciate those who post these photos and consider them my brothers and sisters. You asked for an opinion and I am delivering, with no offense intended to anyone. I have determined that I will respectfully observe these posts, acknowledge with an upvote (and maybe even a simplistic response) and move on. If I happen to beat those of my beloved peers whom I view as "Points Hogs" to a reply, then so be it. If I don't, same deal. I'll still make it to breakfast in the morning (hopefully!!!).
COL Mikel J. Burroughs SFC Joe S. Davis Jr., MSM, DSL PVT Mark Zehner SGT (Join to see) SGT Robert George Alan K. SPC Douglas Bolton LTC Stephen F. CPL Dave Hoover Cynthia Croft SGT John " Mac " McConnell SPC Woody Bullard LTC Stephen C. Maj Marty Hogan
It seems that the original intent has been co-opted by the vacuous remarks of which you refer. I have posted numerous times presenting the identical thoughts that you raise. I would have no problem with it... HOWEVER - this gives rise to a similar situation which can elicit those same empty replies. Namely, the posting of various types of photos ranging from flowers, ink pens, all the way up to redundant/recycled postings of actually great monuments, statues and the like. Now after you've seen photograph "XYZ" for the 20th time, what more can be said? I do appreciate those who post these photos and consider them my brothers and sisters. You asked for an opinion and I am delivering, with no offense intended to anyone. I have determined that I will respectfully observe these posts, acknowledge with an upvote (and maybe even a simplistic response) and move on. If I happen to beat those of my beloved peers whom I view as "Points Hogs" to a reply, then so be it. If I don't, same deal. I'll still make it to breakfast in the morning (hopefully!!!).
COL Mikel J. Burroughs SFC Joe S. Davis Jr., MSM, DSL PVT Mark Zehner SGT (Join to see) SGT Robert George Alan K. SPC Douglas Bolton LTC Stephen F. CPL Dave Hoover Cynthia Croft SGT John " Mac " McConnell SPC Woody Bullard LTC Stephen C. Maj Marty Hogan
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SSG William Jones
MSgt Robert "Rock" Aldi SGT Gregory Lawritson LTC Stephen Conway SFC Michael Young CH (CPT) (Join to see) Sgt (Join to see) SSG DavId Murphy SCPO Morris Ramsey CPT Scott Sharon MSgt David Hoffman PO1 H Gene Lawrence SGT Michael Thorin SP5 Mark Kuzinski SGT (Join to see)
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SCPO (Join to see)
Damn, I thought you were going so good until your tagging of certain people. In an ironic twist, you sure hit the nail on the head!!!
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